Interview: 2023 Tennessee DE Trevor Duncan Putting in the Work to Be a Top D-I Recruit
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
All of the pieces of the proverbial puzzle were coming together for Class of 2023 Knoxville Catholic defensive lineman Trevor Duncan during the 2020 season. The 6-5, 250-pound, end/tackle was working his craft against top Tennessee offensive linemen becoming that presence that can collapse the pocket, contain the edge, and work down the line against the run. Showing that extra bit of athleticism and talent, the Fighting Irish also used him on offense at tight end, a role that is expected to morph into offensive tackle next year.
With interest beginning to build and another offseason of hard work already underway, Duncan stopped by the RNG Lab covering ground on his breakthrough sophomore campaign.
Interview
Trevor, during the 2020 season you got after it on defense going against some of the best players in the state of Tennessee. Looking back, what is your assessment on your productivity on the field?
Pretty good. I played well against the run, I was getting past tackles, did well with my hands, and my with my pass rush. Overall, I’d say I had a pretty solid year.
Looks like the Irish were running a three-man front with an outside backer hanging loose on the edge. In the scheme, what was your role and your responsibilities?
More of a run stopper, staying on the line and containing the quarterback. In our defense, I do more read and react instead of getting up field.
From Game 1 until the clocked rolled triple zeros on the season, in which ways did you see your game progress as a defensive end?
My pass rush really improved. I had a new coach. He helped me out big time with that. My technique, reading blocks, and reading the quarterback and running back all improved.
You also got some snaps on offense last season being featured in the passing attack. What roles were you taking on when the field was flipped?
It was mostly at tight end. They pretty much just used me for blocking. There was one play where I’d go out for a pass.
Where did you see your improvements on offense?
With my hands, I was much better getting them on the defensive player and driving through.
Going both ways, how has that helped you as a defender?
It has helped me figure out different ways to get past the blocker.
In which game did you turn in your best performance during the 2020 season?
I’d say the McCallie or West High School (Knoxville).
What did you do well in those games to make them your best?
I had very good reads, made many tackles, I was getting past the line, getting down the line and stopping the run game.
The team wrapped up the year in mid-November, since then what have you been working on with your game as a defender?
My main things are strength and speed.
It may be too early to tell or know, but do you see your role on offense continuing and/or expanding during the 2021 season?
Yes. They have told me they want me to play offensive tackle.
Are you excited about taking on that role at tackle?
Yes, it will be fun.
Let’s close updating recruiting. Which schools are showing interest now?
There are a few following me on Twitter, Duke and Arizona State.
Are there any visits you’d like to take when they pick back up in 2021?
There’s a lot of schools I’d like to go see. I’ll probably visit Tennessee, Kentucky, maybe LSU and Virginia Tech.
Trevor, I appreciate your time today. Keep up the hard work this offseason.
Thank you.
Photo credit: Duncan family; Trevor Duncan